Are Laser Printers Being Discontinued What You Should Know

Laser printers are not being discontinued, but the market is shifting. More users are turning to inkjet printers for home use, while laser printers remain essential for high-volume offices. Understanding the printer technology trends helps you make a smart buying decision.

Are laser printers being discontinued? This is a question many people ask as inkjet technology improves and home printing habits change. The short answer is no. But the longer answer reveals a shifting landscape that every buyer and office manager should understand.

Laser printers have been the backbone of office printing for decades. They offer speed, reliability, and low cost per page. Yet today, many consumers wonder if these workhorses are becoming obsolete. The truth lies somewhere in between. While the home market leans toward inkjet, laser technology continues to thrive in professional environments.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know. We cover current trends, what manufacturers are doing, and how to decide if a laser printer still makes sense for you. Whether you are buying for a home office or a large business, this guide has you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Laser printers are still widely used: They remain the go-to choice for high-volume printing in offices and businesses.
• Inkjet printers are gaining ground: Home users increasingly prefer inkjets due to lower upfront costs and color quality.
• Manufacturers are not abandoning laser tech: Major brands like HP, Brother, and Canon continue to release new models.
• Laser printer cartridges are still in demand: Toner sales remain strong, signaling ongoing market health.
• Security concerns are rising: Connected laser printers face new cybersecurity threats, including bot attacks on office networks.
• Your needs should guide your choice: Consider volume, cost per page, and print quality before deciding.

The Current State of Laser Printers

The laser printer market is alive and well. Sales numbers tell a clear story. While consumer laser printer sales have dipped slightly, commercial and enterprise sales remain strong. Companies still rely heavily on these machines for daily operations.

Major manufacturers like HP, Brother, Canon, and Xerox continue to invest in laser printer technology. New models come out every year with improved features. These include faster print speeds, better wireless printing capabilities, and enhanced security options. The technology is far from dead.

Why Laser Printers Still Matter

Laser printers excel in specific areas where inkjet simply cannot compete. Here are the key reasons they remain essential:

• High-volume printing: Laser printers handle thousands of pages per month with ease. They are built for endurance.
• Speed: A laser printer can output pages much faster than most inkjet models. This matters in busy offices.
• Cost per page: Toner cartridges last longer than ink cartridges. Over time, the printer cost per page is significantly lower.
• Durability: Laser prints resist smudging and fading. Documents stay readable for years.
• Monochrome quality: For black-and-white text, laser printers deliver crisp, clean results every time.

If you print large quantities of text documents regularly, a laser machine is still the best choice. Nothing else matches its efficiency for this task.

Inkjet vs. Laser: The Shifting Balance

The debate between inkjet vs. laser printers has evolved significantly. In the past, inkjet was mostly for home use and laser was for business. Today, that line is blurring. Modern inkjets offer better color quality and lower prices, which attracts home users and small businesses alike.

Where Inkjet Wins

Inkjet printers have made impressive gains. They now offer high-quality photo printing at affordable prices. For casual home users who print occasionally, an inkjet makes perfect sense. The upfront cost is lower, and the machines are compact.

However, inkjet has limitations. Cartridges run out faster, and the cost per page is higher. For heavy printing, inkjet users spend more over time. The printheads can also clog if the printer sits unused for weeks.

Where Laser Wins

Laser printers dominate in speed and volume. A single toner cartridge can print thousands of pages. This makes them ideal for offices with high printing demands. The text quality is sharp and consistent, which matters for professional documents.

Color laser printers have also improved. While they cost more upfront, they deliver excellent results for marketing materials, presentations, and reports. The color laser printer market continues to grow, especially among mid-sized businesses.

Feature	Laser Printer	Inkjet Printer
Print Speed	Fast (20-50+ ppm)	Moderate (10-20 ppm)
Cost Per Page	Low	High
Upfront Cost	Higher	Lower
Photo Quality	Good	Excellent
Volume Capacity	High	Low to Moderate
Maintenance	Low	Moderate

As you can see, both technologies have strengths. The right choice depends on your specific needs. Do not let anyone tell you one is universally better than the other.

Are Manufacturers Phasing Out Laser Printers?

This is where things get interesting. No major manufacturer has announced plans to discontinue laser printer production. HP, Brother, Canon, Ricoh, and Xerox all continue to develop and sell new models. Their product lines include both home and office laser printers.

What has changed is the emphasis. Many companies now push inkjet for home consumers. This does not mean laser is dying. It means the marketing focus has shifted. Business and enterprise customers still demand reliable laser output.

New Laser Printer Models on the Market

Every year, new laser printers hit the market with modern features. Wireless printing, mobile app integration, and cloud connectivity are now standard. Some models even include touchscreen displays and advanced security features. These innovations show that manufacturers are still investing heavily in this technology.

Brother, for example, continues to release compact monochrome laser printers for home offices. HP keeps expanding its LaserJet Pro line with smarter features. Xerox focuses on heavy-duty office machines that handle massive print runs. The variety is impressive.

Toner Sales Tell the Story

One of the best indicators of a healthy printer market is toner sales. People buy toner cartridges only when they need them. And toner sales remain strong across all major brands. This signals that laser printers are far from obsolete. Users are actively buying and using these machines every day.

If laser printers were truly being phased out, toner sales would drop. They have not. This tells us the market is stable and healthy.

Printer Security in the Age of Connected Devices

Modern printers are no longer standalone devices. They connect to networks, the cloud, and mobile devices. This connectivity brings convenience but also new risks. Printer security has become a serious concern for businesses and home users alike.

Bots and Connected Printers

Network-connected printers can become targets for malicious bots. These automated programs exploit vulnerabilities in connected devices. They can access sensitive documents, use your printer for bot networks, or even cause downtime. This is a real threat that many users overlook.

Tech companies are actively working to combat these threats. For instance, many manufacturers now include built-in security features like firmware updates, encrypted connections, and access controls. Still, users must take responsibility for securing their devices. Regular updates and strong passwords go a long way.

Interestingly, the broader fight against bot networks affects all connected tech, including printers. You can read more about how tech companies are addressing these threats in this article on how tech companies are cracking down on annoying bots. The principles apply directly to printer security.

Tips for Securing Your Laser Printer

• Update firmware regularly: Manufacturers release patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
• Use strong passwords: Never leave default admin credentials unchanged.
• Enable network encryption: Use WPA3 or WPA2 for Wi-Fi-connected printers.
• Disable unused features: Turn off Bluetooth or cloud printing if you do not need them.
• Monitor print logs: Watch for unusual activity that could signal a breach.

Taking these steps protects your data and keeps your printer connectivity safe. It is a small effort with big rewards.

Should You Buy a Laser Printer in 2025?

The answer depends on who you are and what you need. Let us break it down by use case.

Buy a Laser Printer If…

• You print more than 500 pages per month.
• You mostly print text documents, not photos.
• You need fast output for a busy office.
• You want low running costs over time.
• You value reliability and minimal maintenance.

Skip Laser and Go Inkjet If…

• You print rarely and in small volumes.
• You need high-quality photo prints.
• You have a tight upfront budget.
• You want a compact, all-in-one device.
• You prefer the simplicity of refillable ink tanks.

For most home users, a modern inkjet printer is the better choice. For offices and heavy users, nothing beats a laser printer. The key is matching the tool to the task.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Printer

Here are some practical tips to help you decide:

1. Calculate your monthly volume. Know how many pages you print per month before buying.
2. Compare cost per page. Check the price of toner or ink cartridges and divide by page yield.
3. Consider connectivity needs. Do you need wireless, mobile, or cloud printing?
4. Think about space. Laser printers are often larger than inkjets. Measure your desk first.
5. Read reviews. Look for real-world feedback on speed, reliability, and print quality.

These simple steps save money and prevent buyer’s remorse. Do not skip them.

The Future of Printer Technology

What does the future hold for printer technology? Both laser and inkjet will continue to evolve. Manufacturers are exploring new materials, smarter software, and greener designs. The goal is better prints, lower costs, and fewer environmental impacts.

One trend to watch is the rise of sustainable printing. Many brands now offer recycled toner cartridges and energy-efficient models. Energy efficiency is becoming a selling point, especially for eco-conscious businesses.

Another trend is the integration of artificial intelligence. Smart printers can now predict maintenance needs, optimize print settings, and detect security threats. These features make printers more than just output devices. They become intelligent office tools.

Laser technology itself is also improving. New toner formulations produce sharper text and richer colors. Drum units last longer. The overall printer lifespan of modern laser machines continues to increase. These advancements ensure laser printers remain competitive for years to come.

So, are laser printers being discontinued? Absolutely not. They are evolving. And for the right user, they remain the best option available.

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Printers

Avoid these common pitfalls when shopping for a new printer:

• Focusing only on upfront cost: A cheap printer with expensive cartridges costs more in the long run.
• Ignoring print volume needs: Buying a home printer for office use leads to constant breakdowns.
• Overlooking connectivity: In 2025, wireless and mobile printing are essential for most users.
• Skipping security settings: Unsecured printers are easy targets for bots and data theft.
• Choosing based on brand alone: The best brand for you depends on your specific needs, not popularity.

Learning from these mistakes saves time, money, and frustration. Take the extra few minutes to research before you buy.

Expert Insights on the Printer Market

Industry experts agree that the laser printer market is stable. According to recent reports, commercial printing equipment spending continues to grow. Businesses are replacing old machines and expanding their fleets. This demand keeps manufacturers investing in new laser technology.

Experts also note that the home office segment has changed permanently. Many workers now have dedicated home offices, and some prefer laser printers for their professional output. The pandemic-era shift to remote work actually boosted demand for reliable home office printers, including laser models.

Print speed and print quality remain the top priorities for business buyers. Manufacturers are responding with faster, more capable machines. The competition between laser and inkjet is healthy and benefits consumers.

Final Thoughts

The question “Are laser printers being discontinued” comes from a place of uncertainty. And that uncertainty is understandable. The market has changed, and inkjet printers have become more capable. But the core strengths of laser technology remain unmatched for certain tasks.

Laser printers are not going away. They are adapting, improving, and serving millions of users worldwide. Whether you need a machine for a busy office or a reliable home office printer, laser technology delivers. The key is understanding your own needs and choosing accordingly.

Do not let rumors or marketing hype steer your decision. Focus on the facts: speed, volume, cost per page, and reliability. If those matter to you, a laser printer is still one of the best investments you can make in office equipment.

The future of printing is bright for both technologies. And the best part? You have more choices than ever before. Pick the machine that fits your life, and you will not be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are laser printers being discontinued by major brands?

No. Major manufacturers like HP, Brother, Canon, and Xerox continue to produce and sell new laser printer models. The market remains active and healthy.

Is a laser printer better than an inkjet for home use?

It depends on your needs. If you print large volumes of text documents, a laser printer is better. For occasional printing and photo quality, an inkjet is usually the smarter choice.

How long does a laser printer typically last?

A well-maintained laser printer can last 5 to 10 years or more. The drum and toner units are replaceable, which extends the overall printer lifespan significantly.

Are laser printers more expensive to maintain than inkjets?

Not really. While the upfront cost is higher, the cost per page is much lower. Toner cartridges print more pages and need replacing less often than ink cartridges.

Can laser printers connect wirelessly to my devices?

Yes. Most modern laser printers offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile app connectivity. Wireless printing is now a standard feature across nearly all new models.

What should I look for when buying a laser printer?

Focus on print speed, monthly volume capacity, cost per page, connectivity options, and security features. These factors determine the best value for your specific needs.

=== CONCLUSION ===

Laser printers are not being discontinued. They are evolving to meet modern demands while keeping their core strengths intact. Speed, reliability, and low cost per page make them indispensable for many users. Whether you run a busy office or manage a home workspace, understanding the current landscape helps you make the right choice.

The market has shifted, but laser technology remains strong. Inkjet has its place, but for high-volume, professional-grade printing, nothing beats a good laser printer. Keep your needs at the center of your decision, and you will find the perfect machine for the job.